People: Aaron Phillips, Charlie Burke Jr & Kirsten Jade
Place: Akita Rose Stables Turf Track
Date: December 22 2013 (January Week Four)
Riding on Legacy
as it continues
Kirsten peeled at her finger nail nervously, staring out onto the track. Charlie tapped on his clipboard with his pen, also fidgeting. Both owner and trainer stared at the bay stallion and its rider, observing and waiting.
Aaron could feel the steady stream of eyes on his back and he forced himself to forget about it. He patted the bay under him. "I'm glad you are back Legacy. We all missed ya out here." The son of Hall of Famer Merry Bay King and Breeding Hall of Famer Queen of Hearts twitched his ears in response to his rider. Even though the stallion had only been here two days he had not forgotten the rider on his back. Aaron had ridden him from a yearling to a three year old. In fact the stallion had only ridden a handful of races under another jockey and stable.
He slipped into a steady gait and tossed his mane. He definitely looked happy to be back home where he was born. Aaron relaxed in the saddle. He was happy that Kirsten was able to re-purchased the stallion. Since her hiatus from the farm they had had to sell some of their good horses in order to keep up the expenses but now the horses were racing again and some were even winning. They had a good batch of racehorses this year and Aaron had no doubt this was going to be a good year for ARS.
He let out a little more rein and allowed the four year old stallion really stretch out his legs. He was in good shape and Aaron was excited for his chances this year. He hadn't raced much last season but had really matured and put on some more muscle. Often horses were at their best in their four year old season and Aaron had a feeling that this would be the stallion's year.
Kirsten turned to the trainer on her right and nodded towards the track. "So? What do you think of Legacy?" Charlie rubbed the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. "Well, he looks good but I don't think the Unicorn Turf Classic is a good option right now." Kirsten nodded. "Yeah, I think we might need to start smaller with him this year so he gets a good feel for winning. Although, he is already entered in the race and the entrance fee paid so even a show will give us some free cash." Charlie smirked. "Well then don't scratch him for nothing. His previous owners had already started preparing him for the race so who knows, he might put in a good show. And if not at least we will know what we need to work on." Kirsten nodded again. It sounded like a good plan to her. Besides, she wasn't going to turn down some potentially free cash and experience for the stallion. Plus, she kind of had confidence that Legacy will not disappoint them.
Aaron let out just another tiny bit of rein and moved with the stallion through his perfect gait. He was enjoying this ride. Legacy had really mellowed out since the last time Aaron rode him. He was interested to see the potential the stallion possibly could show on the weekend. It was a major race, one that would be nearly impossible to win but good experience non the less. All too soon the short workout was over. Aaron sighed, "Soon we will really get to run boy." No doubt about it, the track will be seeing a lot of them this year.